When some of our patients first arrive they aren’t aware of the differences between the effects of Prolotherapy and cortisone injections. PRP (platelet rich plasma) falls under the same category as Prolotherapy as they are both Regenerative Injection Therapies. To the unaware Prolotherapy and cortisone injections may seem like the same therapy. However, they are complete and polar opposites. Check out our graphic for the comparisons.
Cortisone injections, also known as a ‘cortisone shot’, is an invaluable treatment option in some cases. The questions to ask are: Is it an overused option? What are the other options? Why is your pain happening?
Cortisone injections work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. Inflammation and immune activity are two key ingredients for proper healing! Unfortunately, these shots can damage bones, ligaments, muscles, cartilage and tendons resulting in weakened joint structures. The long term effects of this sort of dysfunction is Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fractures and muscle weakness. This is the reason why there is a limit to the number of cortisone injections one receives. As time goes on and an ongoing weaker joint structure which isn’t addressed, the only option can seem to be more cortisone shots as one inches towards surgery.
Many musculoskeletal and sports injuries area treated with cortisone injections to relieve pain associated with their condition as a “quick fix”. Athletes will typically return to the playing field with less or no pain unaware that the damaged structure is likely weakened further by the cortisone injection. If the underlying structural weaknesses are not addressed, it’s not a matter of it but when the pain will return, unfortunately.
On the other hand, Prolotherapy (including PRP) works by the exact opposite way when compared to cortisone injections (see our graphic). It draws inflammation and activates the immune system to the injured area needing an added boost for healing. Inflammation carries blood, oxygen, hormones, growth factors, proteins and nutrients which help strengthen and fortify connective tissues in damaged structures like ligaments, tendons and cartilage.
With some time and the appropriate applications in the rehabilitation process, these damaged structures can be healed by strengthening weakened joints and reducing pain!